James Frank Carpenter

James F. Carpenter, age 96 years, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on November 12, 2014. James was born on March 26, 1918 in Blanchard, Oklahoma and lived there through his high school years, driving a wooden school bus for his school since he lived at the end of the route. James was a World War II veteran who served in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge from the army, he became a machinist. He spent the majority of his career working for Westinghouse during which time he helped work on parts of the first lunar lander and a nuclear submarine. After his retirement, he became a rancher in Texas.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lela Mae Stovall, his father, George H. Carpenter, his mother, Eva Ihrig, his sister Lela Mae Carpenter Shortridge, and brothers Virgil and George B. Carpenter. He is survived by his brother Clifford Carpenter, his sister Irene Heffley, and their families of Yuba City, California. His family would like to express deep gratitude towards all of James’ wonderful friends at the Providence Place Bark Park who loved and supported him and assure them that his faithful dog, Tiera, is enjoying being back at the ranch.

Family and friends were welcomed to attend graveside services on Wednesday, November 19th at 1:30 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 & Harney Lane, Lodi, California. Floral tributes can be sent to Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, California 95240.